Global Economic Outlook 2015 - Key Findings

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Global Growth Is Not Gaining Much Traction: Volatility Will Prevail

The last two months have been increasingly challenging for the global economy, leading to some significant adjustments in The Conference Board Global Economic Outlook. The changes are to a large extent the result of greater volatility and uncertainty, and they present a higher risk for the global economy in 2015. The rapid decline in oil prices, quick adjustments in exchange rates (with the US dollar appreciating and weakening of most other currencies, notably the euro), and the new quantitative easing program of the ECB are just a few examples of the economic factors at play. In addition, there is increased geopolitical uncertainty related to the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, as well as increased concern about the economic and political future of the Euro Area and European Union.

As a result, we made some significant adjustments to the global economic outlook for 2015 released in November. While the overall global real GDP growth average is projected to be 3.3 percent – remaining slightly below the 3.4 percent we projected last November –, the global average reflects a combination of upsides and downsides. Downward revision are primarily due to a major GDP decline in Russia (from +0.8 to −3.5 percent) and moderate declines in the Euro Area (1.6 to 1.4 percent), Japan (1.1 to 0.6 percent), and Brazil (1.5 to 0.5 percent). Upward revisions include the United States (2.6 to 2.9 percent), Mexico (2.8 to 3.5 percent), and India (5.5 to 5.9 percent). The adjustments to India, however, do not reflect the recent substantial statistical upward revisions in India’s GDP growth measures, the reliability of which is still debated.

The United States will continue to register stronger growth than its peers, but the expansionary phase will show signs of maturing, causing a moderation in profitability and a variety of cost pressures. European economies have more scope to recover, and the recently announced QE program may help improve business and consumer confidence, and the weakened euro could help offset negative effects from slower exports to emerging markets. However, Europe’s dysfunctional policy environment to accelerate growth through investment and reforms could make the recovery look moderate compared to the United States. China will continue its “soft fall”growth trajectory, as already limited government stimuli will have less effect despite recent monetary easing, and expose the weakening of China’s creditworthiness more clearly. Other major emerging markets will continue to grow, but their pace will vary depending on the net impact of declining oil prices and exchange rate depreciations, as well as progress of their own reform agendas. New geographies for growth, such as Africa and parts of Asia, offer opportunities to build sustainable growth models but they also bring challenges on economic, legal, and institutional fronts.

Relative to the base scenario for the outlook, downsides to the global outlook could come from possible intensified political and economic risks. Upsides relate to the ability of policy and business to invest in people, raise productivity, and rebuild trust and confidence, but they may need significantly more time than the current year to materialize.

For a full overview of The Conference Board Global Economic Outlook 2015, download StraightTalk® which includes the strategic overview of the outlook (members only).

Business Outlook

US: MODERATELY POSITIVE

US is projected to grow at a modest 2.9 percent in 2015, 0.3 percent points higher than our November forecast.

Profitability may come under increased pressure as the business cycle matures and cost increases are imminent.

America’s strength in technological progress needs to help accelerate productivity.

Productivity growth should build on investment, improved business confidence, and a better educated labor force.

AFRICA: POSITIVE, BUT UNCERTAIN

GDP growth in Africa in 2015 is projected at 4.4 percent.

Nigeria will be the strongest performer at 6.7 percent growth in 2015, but it is heavily dependent on natural resources and vulnerable to global demand conditions.

A positive growth outlook for Africa is strongly dependent on improved institutional performance and better governance.

For a full overview of the business implications from The Conference Board Global Economic Outlook 2015, download the Global Overview Report which provides a discussion of results by major regions (members only).